How many APs is too many?

skieurope
Sat, 06 Dec 2014 13:23:02 +0000

If your school offers the class, it is better to take the class. self studying a class that exists makes little sense, and will certainly not impress college admissions with your resourcefulness.

AP exams for college admissions is not a game where the person with the most wins. [url=On APs | MIT Admissions]Here[/url] is MIT’s take on the subject

Let me state clearly: we do not admit students solely because of their AP courses/scores. There is no minimum or recommended number of AP courses. AP scores are not part of an admission formula. We’re not simply going to look at a weighted GPA and throw everything else out. Challenge yourself in a way that is reasonable for you, while making sure that your courseload provides your with material that keeps you excited and engaged, and that you have balance in your life.



In terms of self studying, last Spring, I went to an Exploring College Options event, which had reps from Harvard, Stanford, Penn, Duke, and Georgetown. During the Q&A, someone asked, “What do you think of applicants who self-study for additional AP’s over and above the AP classes they take?” One rep responded, “Please don’t do that. We’re not impressed by that.” The other reps all nodded.



I’m self studying a lot of APs not offered at my school, like Human Geo, Environmental, and World History.

Depending on the university, these 3 are among the ones that are least likely to earn college credit. So this is a case where, except for personal satisfaction, you could have nothing to show for your efforts.